Hong Kong protesters deface Chinese flag

Protesters in Hong Kong reportedly defaced a Chinese flag, attacked two subway stations and ignited two street fires on Sunday as demonstrations became more violent.

Protesters trampled the Chinese flag, defaced it, placed it in a dumpster and pushed the dumpster into a river, according to The Associated Press.

A man who spoke out against their actions was beaten for 20 minutes before escaping, Reuters reported.

The protest began peacefully in the mall near Shatin New Town Plaza and turned violent when protesters attacked the nearby subway station, smashing surveillance cameras and destroying ticket machines, according to the AP, which added that guards were sent to protect the station.

The Kwai Fong station also reportedly saw outbreaks of violence.

Protesters near the mall constructed a barricade that they set on fire, according to reports. Demonstrators also  set a street fire in the Mong Kok area, the AP noted.

Reuters reported that police fired tear gas at protesters who threw bricks at them.

Protests broke out in Hong Kong about four months ago after a law was proposed to allow residents to be extradited in China. Since then, Chief Executive Carrie Lam has withdrawn the bill, but protesters are now demanding democratic elections and investigations into police treatment of the protesters.